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Tampa Criminal Defense Attorneys:
Fernandez Law Group offers aggressive and experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys to assist anyone in the full spectrum of their defense, whether they are charged with State or Federal crimes.
Federal cases are much more complex and require a great deal of knowledge and experience to successfully defend. Our defense lawyers are all qualified to practice law in Federal Court. Fewer than 10% of Florida attorneys have this ability. We cover all of Tampa Bay, Hillsborough County, Pinellas County and beyond.
If you or someone you know is charged with a criminal act, it is important to contact an experienced defense lawyer immediately.
The earlier a defendant is able to obtain sound legal counsel, the better the outcome will be. Our team of criminal defense attorneys have over 20 years of experience as former prosecutors, working on that side of the courtroom. Because of that insight we are able to better communicate with the prosecution, often reducing charges, bail amounts, and sentencing before a trial date is even discussed.
Getting arrested can often become a very troubling time in life. Thoughts about what could happen can consume you. Taking advantage of our Free Consultation and Detailed Case Review will allow you to gain valuable insight about what to expect. Instead of letting your mind wander, it can be much better to let one of our experienced criminal defense attorneys guide you and prepare you for what could come next.
Our Criminal Defense ATTORNEYS are ready to provide you with a detailed consultation for FREE!
Our Tampa CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS are aggressive and dedicated
Fernandez Law Group’s team of Award Winning Criminal Defense Attorneys fight to protect the rights of our clients and have successfully litigated to reduce thousands of sentences and fines.
Our law firm has established a solid reputation for protecting the rights of our clients while working for the best outcome possible, no matter how hard the fight.
Not all criminal defense lawyers have our commitment to achieving full justice for their clients, nor do they have our trial experience and proven skills. We are committed to providing exceptional representation. – View our recent Feedback & Reviews
If you or a loved one is under investigation, facing charges, or has been arrested and/or jailed, there are too many rights we can protect and preserve for Defendants that are risk when someone uses an inexperienced lawyer.
CALL US TODAY AT 813-489-3222, USE OUR CONTACT FORM, EMAIL OR TEXT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION AND CASE EVALUATION.
Words can not begin to express how wonderful The Fernandez Law Group is. To be more specific words can not express how wonderful Jeff Quisenberry has been. Jeff knew exactly what was going to be needed in order for us to win my case. It was truly one of the best decisions I have ever made hiring him to represent me. His experience of being on the other side as a prosecuting attorney and him knowing the detectives enabled us to win my case without any charges being filed. I can honestly say that I owe my life to him and the Fernandez Group. I would recommend this firm and Jeff to anyone who is seeking an attorney. He will listen to you, get the facts needed, and will know just what to do to win for you. A truly wonderful experience. (Betsy Mann)
Rated 5 out of 5 by Betsy Mann on
on December 3, 2018 | Link to Review
![Lady Justice Statue with Twilight Sky in the Background]( "Criminal Defense Attorneys")
WE HELP AND PROTECT DEFENDANTS DURING EVERY STEP OF THE ARREST PROCESS
Charges are not always filed when there is an arrest. The State Attorney’s Office is ultimately who decides if the case is strong enough to file the charges after reviewing the evidence such as the arrest report and statements from witnesses.
We protect defendants throughout the entire process, starting with the investigation – where we speak to the officers for you on your behalf.
If an arrest is made, we help find out exactly what’s going on in the case, what the charges are, and what to do next.
We help protect the rights of defendants and assist with the First Appearance Hearing. Between that hearing and the arraignment, we can speak to the prosecutor and often reduce charges or have them dismissed. We can also help reduce bail amounts.
If there is a Disposition hearing, charges have been brought against a defendant have been filed, but we will find out what the weaknesses are in their case and help you best defend against them.
With the assistance of an attorney and under certain circumstances, it may be possible to convince the prosecutor to let a defendant’s case go into a Misdemeanor Intervention Program and/or a Pre-Trial Intervention. We help defendants successfully enter and complete these programs to get their charges dropped and have done that for 100’s of clients.
If a trial occurs, there are several pre-trial motions such as a Motion to Suppress Evidence that we can file which are extremely beneficial to defendants. And for those who may have pled guilty to certain charges, under certain circumstances we are also able to help defendants seal criminal charges or expunge a criminal record to make them disappear.
Our team also handles probation violation defense for situations where defendants fail to meet parole and/or probationary standards or are accused of violating probation so we can help them avoid serious consequences.
Anyone facing any type of criminal investigation, charges, arrests, and even incarceration should not hesitate to utilize our FREE consultation and detailed case review. We can begin assisting right away.
CALL US TODAY AT 813-489-3222, USE OUR CONTACT FORM, EMAIL OR TEXT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION AND CASE EVALUATION.
After receiving multiple recommendations to have attorney Jeff Quisenberry and the Fernandez Law Group represent me, I couldn’t be happier with the outcome of my case. Not knowing much about the legal system and what would occur during this process, Jeff Quisenberry helped guide me through this process and made it much easier to understand. Even though this was our first time meeting, he helped out like it was his family he was representing and I noticed right away. Any questions or concerns I had were met beyond my expectations. Highly recommend having the Fernandez Law group representing you to help guide and comfort you during your time in need. I can’t say Thank You enough, to Jeff Quisenberry and the whole Fernandez Law group, a family of professionals.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ARREST PROCESS IN TAMPA:
What is the Criminal Arrest Process in Tampa?
The criminal arrest process in Hillsborough County, Tampa Florida is fairly standard and consistent with other jurisdictions across the United States. The process begins with an initial investigation which results in an arrest. A First Appearance Hearing would then occur as well as an Arraignment. If charges have been brought against a Defendant, a Disposition Hearing will occur and a subsequent Trial may also occur.
What should someone do if they are under investigation?
The best thing you can do is call an experienced, qualified criminal defense attorney. Here’s why… It is very dangerous for you to speak to a police officer, because as you may have heard, anything you say or disclose to them, can and will be used against you. Even if it seems like it is something innocent, it can be used against you.
Learn more about what someone should do if they are under investigation >
What should someone do if they have been arrested?
The first thing you need to do is find out where this person is being held. The second thing is call a criminal defense lawyer.
A criminal defense lawyer can find out exactly what is going on with your loved one’s case, where it happened, which agency made the arrest, what the charges are, and what to do next most importantly.
Learn more about what someone should do if they have been arrested >
What happens at the First Appearance Hearing in Hillsborough County?
- Find out what the charges are.
- Determine if the police had enough legal reason to make the arrest (probable cause).
- Give the right to legal counsel.
- Set conditions of release (bond amount, etc.).
Having a criminal defense lawyer can prevent someone from making the situation worse by protecting their rights.
Learn more about the First Appearance Hearing here >
What is the Arraignment Process in Hillsborough County?
At the Arraignment, the judge will ask whether or not charges have been filed. The State Attorney will respond, “yes they’re filed / no they are not”.
In between the First Appearance and the Arraignment is another opportunity where a criminal defense lawyer can help you. A criminal defense lawyer will be able to speak to the prosecutor and persuade them not to file charges or file less serious charges, or fewer charges.
What is a Disposition Hearing?
If there is a Disposition Hearing in Tampa, it means the State Attorney has filed charges against a Defendant. A criminal defense lawyer, if retained, will find out what the weaknesses are in the state’s case and present evidence that is favorable to the Defendant or work with the prosecution to reduce or drop charges, or enter and complete Pre-Trial Interventions and/or Misdemeanor Intervention Programs.
What is a Misdemeanor Intervention Program (MIP)?
Under certain circumstances, our criminal defense lawyers work with the prosecutors to let a Defendant’s case go into the Misdemeanor Intervention Program (MIP). If a Defendant can successfully complete this program, we can get their charges dropped.
What is a Pre-Trial Intervention Program (PTI)?
Similar to the MIP, and under certain circumstances, our criminal defense lawyers work with the prosecutors to let a Defendant’s case go into a Pre-Trial Intervention Program (PTI). If a Defendant can successfully complete this program, we can get their charges dropped – something we’ve done for 100’s of clients.
Advantages to working with Fernandez Law Group’s Criminal Defense ATTORNEYS:
- Our criminal defense lawyers have years of experience as former prosecutors with a reputation for reducing charges, bail amounts, and sentencing before a trial date is even discussed.
- We regularly practice criminal law and have a great deal of experience in representing our client’s needs and protecting their rights extremely well.
- We understand how the legal process works, the nature of the various criminal charges, and how best to defend our clients, whether it is negotiating a plea or taking the case to trial.
- We keep our clients completely informed of their options at all times.
- We put the case together in a way that is designed to get the best possible outcome.
- We have proven trial experience and are able to work effectively with prosecutors and judges to provide the best defense possible.
Criminal Defense Practice Areas
When Defendants facing assault and battery charges hire the Fernandez Law Group, they gain an instant advantage in their cases.
With insight from over 20 years of experience as former prosecutors, working on that side of the courtroom we are able to better communicate with the prosecution, often reducing charges, bail amounts, and sentencing before a trial date is even discussed.
We help Defendants understand the crime they’ve been charged with along with any and all possible defenses or options available.
Our assault and battery defense lawyers are ready to fight aggressively on your behalf and help you get the best possible outcome.
CALL US TODAY AT 813-489-3222, USE OUR CONTACT FORM, EMAIL OR TEXT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION AND CASE EVALUATION.
When a defendant acts quickly, they may have a better chance at having their bond request granted. This is often due to the fact that Judges and prosecutors are often reluctant to act on quick notice, partly due to the lack of available information so early in the proceedings. Additionally, we’ve found that many times they just aren’t prepared to argue the bond.
Our bail and bond hearing attorneys put the rights of our clients first and foremost. State law permits bond hearings whether the prosecution is ready for one or not, and we are willing to proceed on behalf of any defendant as soon as they are.
CALL US TODAY AT 813-489-3222, USE OUR CONTACT FORM, EMAIL OR TEXT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION AND CASE EVALUATION.
Our burglary, larceny, robbery, shoplifting and theft defense lawyers are experienced and aggressive. We identify evidence and witness testimony that can refute the allegations of prosecutors.
We move quickly and efficiently, getting to the prosecutor long before the case gets to court.
Our goal is to provide experienced and aggressive representation in order to help get the best possible outcome when faced with any charges.
Don’t be intimidated, come in and talk to us. The consultation is free. We can help you.
CALL US TODAY AT 813-489-3222, USE OUR CONTACT FORM, EMAIL OR TEXT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION AND CASE EVALUATION.
We put a team of computer, internet and cyber crime lawyers together who are very experienced with Florida Laws related to computer crimes. Those laws have been continually evolving in order to incorporate these new computer and technology based crimes.
These are very complex cases and we work with industry experts in order to properly gather and analyze the facts.
Our team of criminal defense attorneys includes a former prosecutor who has over 20 years experience working on that side of the courtroom and with that insight we are able to better communicate with the prosecution – often reducing charges, bail amounts, and sentencing before a trial date is even discussed.
CALL US TODAY AT 813-489-3222, USE OUR CONTACT FORM, EMAIL OR TEXT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION AND CASE EVALUATION.
It is important for anyone facing drug manufacture, possession, sale, or trafficking charges to act as quickly as possible, the moment they’re faced with any kind of charges. It’s important to get to the prosecutor before the case gets to court. That’s where we come in. We put multiple criminal defense attorneys on each case working for you – aggressively, competently, and comprehensively.
With a former prosecutor on our team as the lead drug violation defense attorney, we often manage to negotiate issue resolutions and in many instances, we’ve even been able to convince the prosecuting agency to not file charges.
CALL US TODAY AT 813-489-3222, USE OUR CONTACT FORM, EMAIL OR TEXT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION AND CASE EVALUATION.
Many people have been on probation or supervision and want to try to get this shortened or eliminated. It can be done – it’s a motion to terminate probation. We have these frequently and in order to get the court to terminate probation, there are a lot of steps.
We prepare the court as though we’re preparing for a hearing. We call witnesses, we prepare you, we provide the court with real reasons why your probation should be shortened or terminated and ended, and we’re very successful at this. And the key is to have good reasons that are well researched and well presented by the attorney to the court.
A Motion to Terminate Probation is something that we do in every county that we service.
CALL US TODAY AT 813-489-3222, USE OUR CONTACT FORM, EMAIL OR TEXT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION AND CASE EVALUATION.
Our fraud and fraudulent activity defense lawyers have defended many Florida citizens who have been charged with many types of fraud over the years.
Fraud charges are usually a federal offense and we often see scenarios where investigations have been ongoing for quite some time. In more serious instances, it is not uncommon at all for the FBI to pursue these cases and prosecute them aggressively as well.
Federal cases are much more complex and require a great deal of knowledge and experience to successfully defend. Our attorneys are all qualified to practice law in federal court, yet fewer than 10% of Florida attorneys have this ability.
CALL US TODAY AT 813-489-3222, USE OUR CONTACT FORM, EMAIL OR TEXT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION AND CASE EVALUATION.
Florida is known for some of the most severe punishments handed down to those who have been convicted of a criminal act involving the use of a gun, firearm and other weapons. The consequences can be very severe and should only be handled by experienced gun, firearm and weapons violation defense lawyers.
A variety of criminal offenses result in mandatory minimum sentencing when committed with guns, firearms and weapons.
If you’ve been charged with any type of gun, firearm or weapons violation, you need to act immediately in order to preserve every possible opportunity for a stronger defense.
At Fernandez Law Group, our team of gun lawyers work diligently at scrutinizing over every single last detail in your case in order to find any flaws or errors in the police procedure. These errors can lead to reduction in charges, fines, and sentencing. In some cases, we’ve even had cases that were completely dismissed. We will pay very close attention to your case and review it with you on a continual basis.
CALL US TODAY AT 813-489-3222, USE OUR CONTACT FORM, EMAIL OR TEXT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION AND CASE EVALUATION.
There are many things a juvenile defense lawyer can do to immediately protect a child when a criminal accusation occurs and it is important to hire an attorney as soon as possible. Our juvenile defense attorneys provide aggressive legal representation as soon as we get involved in the case. This often results in more favorable negotiations with the prosecution and helps reduce charges and sentencing.
If a juvenile child has been charged with a crime in Florida, an experienced juvenile defense attorney should be contacted immediately. These charges can come with serious penalties and the consequences can last for a lifetime.
CALL US TODAY AT 813-489-3222, USE OUR CONTACT FORM, EMAIL OR TEXT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION AND CASE EVALUATION.
The U.S. Attorney’s office files plenty of wire and mail fraud indictments in Florida courts throughout the year, and they also have a very high conviction rate. In order to bring these charges, the government must prove that a Defendant intentionally and knowingly created a scheme to defraud somebody else. In many cases, they are able to present these charges even if Florida state law was not violated.
If you are charged with a mail or wire fraud, it is important that you obtain experienced mail and wire fraud defense lawyers immediately, as the stakes are typically very high in these cases. Furthermore, many mail and wire fraud often lead to federal charges. Federal cases are much more complex and require a great deal of knowledge and experience to successfully defend. Our attorneys are all qualified to practice law in federal court, yet fewer than 10% of Florida attorneys have this ability.
CALL US TODAY AT 813-489-3222, USE OUR CONTACT FORM, EMAIL OR TEXT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION AND CASE EVALUATION.
Our probation violation defense lawyers often help reduce penalties for any situations that result in probation violations, including those that often occur in many Florida cases involving first offenses and non-violent crimes.
We are highly experienced in probation violation defense and are often able to negotiate with the prosecution to reduce the severity of the charges or reach a more favorable agreement. This could involve proposing alternative sanctions or modifications to the probation terms.
Clients can count on us to develop probation violation defense strategies based on the specifics of each individual case. Those could include challenging the evidence, proving that the violation was unintentional or unavoidable, or demonstrating that a defendant was in compliance with probation terms.
If a defendant fails to meet probationary standards or is accused of violating probation, there can be serious consequences. We encourage people in these types of situations to act fast and immediately speak with a Tampa probation violation defense attorney. Those who are being accused of, not meeting probation standards should not hesitate. We offer a FREE consultation and detailed case review and can begin assisting right away.
CALL US TODAY AT 813-489-3222, USE OUR CONTACT FORM, EMAIL OR TEXT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION AND CASE EVALUATION.
OUR PROBATION VIOLATION DEFENSE LAWYERS ARE EXPERIENCED, DEDICATED AND AGGRESSIVE.
Anyone who is charged with a lewd act, prostitution, or solicitation of a prostitute will be facing severe consequences. Our Tampa Bay area Prostitution, Solicitation and Lewd Act Defense Lawyers understand the difficult situations many families face when someone is facing these types of charges.
For first-time offenders who aren’t familiar with how intolerant Florida courts tend to be when it comes to these types of charges, it can be a very unpleasant and frightening experience.
We are here for you, working on your side every step of the way. We’re not here to judge you or your actions.
With your freedom and reputation on the line, there is no time to waste and you can’t take a chance on any corners being cut in your defense.
CALL US TODAY AT 813-489-3222, USE OUR CONTACT FORM, EMAIL OR TEXT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION AND CASE EVALUATION.
Florida law provides an option for qualifying individuals to have certain criminal arrest records sealed or expunged if those records stem from a single arrest or incident.
Built off of our many years of experience and success in helping Florida residents get their records sealed or expunged, we have developed a streamlined program to help you through the entire process. We will complete all of the necessary paperwork, file the required petitions and appear in court on your behalf as needed.
We understand what your rights are under Florida law and will aggressively represent your best interests at all times.
CALL US TODAY AT 813-489-3222, USE OUR CONTACT FORM, EMAIL OR TEXT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION AND CASE EVALUATION.
Our Tampa Sex Crime Defense Attorneys represent defendants against many types of illegal sexual activity ranging from less serious misdemeanor crimes such as prostitution, solicitation of a prostitute, or indecent exposure – to more severe sex offenses such as sexual battery or rape, which often result in a felony conviction.
Sex crimes are some of the most brutal, violent and reprehensible criminal offenses in our society. The severity and shocking nature of these types of crimes tends to incite strong emotions among people, creating a push for swift prosecution and tough sentencing. Defendants are often judged in the public eye before all the evidence and circumstances of the allegations are even known.
At Fernandez Law Group, our Tampa Sex Crime Defense Lawyers are highly experienced in handling all types of sex crimes. We put multiple attorneys on each case and provide an aggressive defense. Our legal team includes former prosecutors who have a history of litigation in the court room, working to preserve the rights of our clients. Contact us today for a FREE Consultation and Case Evaluation and learn how our Sex Crime Defense Lawyers can help defendants avoid prosecution for sex crimes.
White Collar Criminal Defense Lawyers play an important part in ensuring the criminal justice system remains fair and just for those they represent.
Fraud, embezzlement, and grand theft are white collar crimes, and our team of attorneys have the experience necessary to get the best possible outcome.
The FBI defines white collar crime as “those illegal acts which are characterized by deceit, concealment, or violation of trust and which are not dependent upon the application or threat of physical force or violence.”
We are here to make sure your rights remain protected. Many white collar crimes often lead to federal charges. Our criminal defense attorneys make up fewer than 10% of all Florida attorneys who are experienced and qualified to practice in federal courts.
CALL US TODAY AT 813-489-3222, USE OUR CONTACT FORM, EMAIL OR TEXT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION AND CASE EVALUATION.
Our Criminal Defense ATTORNEYS are ready to provide you with a detailed consultation for FREE!
Don’t Talk Too Much! Everything that you say is officially on record and it can be used against you.
One of the biggest mistakes that people make when they are being accused of a crime is to talk too much. You should not ever take legal advice from a show you saw on television, but in this case those shows have it right. The very first thing that an attorney does on any of the legal shows on television is to tell their client to not say anything. The reason why everyone says this is what you should do is because it is clearly the best legal advice. In fact, it is probably one of the very first things that criminal defense attorneys learn when they are going to law school.
A lot of people think that it is ok to talk when they are being questioned by the police because they did not do anything wrong. This sounds like a good plan in theory, but unfortunately it does not always work out that way. The reason that a good lawyer does not want you to talk to the authorities is that everything that you say is officially on record and it can be used against you. The problem is that you do not always know how what you say could be used against you.
One problem that happens is that your negligence can be a crime. If something that you did resulted in someone getting hurt or something else happening that could be considered, you can be held responsible. If you admit to your actions without knowing what else may have happened after that, you will have no defense once the crime has been revealed to you.
If you stay quiet as recommended by an attorney, your criminal defense attorney will still have every option available to be able to defend you against the charges.
Another problem is that sometimes when a person is planning to commit a crime, they may try and make it look like someone else was actually responsible. In most cases, the authorities are usually able to determine that you have been set up, but unfortunately, it does not always happen that way.
Other times, the circumstances might make you look guilty, even though you had nothing to do with the crime. If you talk, it could make you look guiltier even if you had nothing to do with it. Again, hopefully the authorities will figure this out, but unfortunately, jails all over are full of people who were convicted over circumstantial evidence.
Details are important!
When talking with your attorney about the situation, you should not leave out any details. This will only help your case and your attorney will have a better idea of what you are up against.
You do not have to make any decisions at the end of a consultation. You can think about this decision and get back to us if you want to proceed further.